James Woodrow "Jim" Kirkman, Jr.

KIRKMAN, James (Jim) Woodrow Jr. 65 of Centerville, OH went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Jim was born October 19, 1954 in Dayton, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Esther (Black) Kirkman and niece, Victoria Long. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandpa and pepaw.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Renee Calmes Kirkman, daughter Teri (Peter) Kuzma of Centerville, OH, son Matthew Kirkman of Beavercreek, OH, step-daughter Laura (Jack) Nehlsen of Green Bay, WI, and mother-in-law Jewell Calmes of Spring Valley, OH. Survivors also include his sisters; Phyllis (Clark) Collins of Lewisburg, OH, Sandra (Denzil) Connors of Kettering, OH, Kimberly (Wayne) Hicks of Bellbrook, OH and sister-in-law Janine (Todd) Henry of Spring Valley, OH. He is dearly loved by many grandchildren; Christopher (EV) Kuzma, Alison Kuzma, Audrey, Elise, Simon, Vincent George, and Sebastian Nehlsen, and great-grandson Cooper Kuzma; a host of nieces, nephews, dear friends, and constant canine companion Penny left to cherish his memory.

Jim graduated from Patterson Co-op, Class of 1972. He completed OPOTA training in May 1977, and went on to obtain his Associates of Law Enforcement in June of 1990. He faithfully served his community in law enforcement for 30 years. Jim began his career with the Dayton Police Department in 1975, during which time he was awarded a Medal of Valor. The majority of his service was with the Kettering Police Department, from 1977-2004, where he achieved rank of lieutenant. During his time with Kettering, he served as President of the Fraternal Order of Police from Dec. 1981- May 1983. Jim made the difficult, yet noble decision to retire early from the police force due to the onset of his illness. Following his retirement, Jim served in his final post as a U.S. Marshall at the Federal Building in Dayton until 2013.

He was a member of Centerville Community Church where he grew in the Lord and was baptized. He claimed Psalm 91 as his life verse. Jim was an avid OSU football, UK basketball, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Reds fan. He enjoyed quiet moments on the back porch with his wife Renee. His favorite pastimes included reading to his grandchildren, attending the theater, visiting historical landmarks, and spending time with those he loved. Jim fought a long battle with a rare degenerative neurological disease, Multiple System Atrophy, with dignity, a touch of humor, courage, and grace.

The family wishes to thank for their care and support: the staff at Home Care Assistance, Hospice of Dayton, and OSU Wexner Medical Center’s Dr. Yasushi Kisanuki.

A visitation for family and friends will be from 5-7pm on Thursday, June 11 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Rd, Kettering. Private family services will be held on Friday with Pastor Kedrick Hirschy officiating. Burial will follow in Miami-Corwin Cemetery, Waynesville, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420, or to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition at www.multiplesystematrophy.org. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.